Walid Benlagha

Vice President - Human Resources at Euro Mechanical

Speaker

Walid Benlagha is a strategic Human Resources executive with over 20 years of international leadership experience across the energy sector, spanning the UAE, UK, Gabon, and Algeria. Currently serving as Vice President – Human Resources at Euro Mechanical in Abu Dhabi, he partners with the CEO and leadership team to shape and execute long-term human capital strategies that drive workforce transformation, leadership succession, and organisational culture aligned with business priorities.

Previously, Walid held senior HR leadership roles including Corporate HR Partner at Euro Mechanical, HR Partner at Linked4HR, and Group Talent Management & Compensation & Benefits Manager at OLA Energy, where he spearheaded talent management frameworks, executive recruitment, and compensation strategies for a 1,500+ employee workforce across multiple affiliates. His early career at Schlumberger saw him rise through pivotal roles in Algeria, the UK, Gabon, and Dubai, overseeing HR projects, payroll operations, workforce planning, and organisational integration across a global workforce of 100,000+.

An MBA graduate from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Walid also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management & Development from the University of Brighton and a BSc in Economics & Management from Institut National du Commerce, Algiers. He is a Graduate Member of the CIPD and has furthered his expertise through executive education at London Business School, specialising in HR strategy, leadership, and execution.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Walid is recognised for his ability to align people strategy with business transformation, foster inclusive and high-performing cultures, and deliver sustainable organisational impact across diverse, multicultural environments.